We recently had a chance to check out the Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg on our way back from backpacking the famous Lost Coast Trail just up the coast.
Here’s our review of the Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg.
Review: Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg (CA)
Location & Parking
Fort Bragg California lies just North of Mendocino, California along the Redwood coast.
The Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg is located in the South part of the town near the junction between the Pacific Coast Highway (HWY 1) and Fort Bragg – Willits Rd (HWY 20).
Parking is free in the parking lot in the front of the property.
Icons of the Fort Bragg Coast
Booking & Redemption Options
Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg is one of the few options for “travel-hacking hotels,” where loyalty program points can be used to stay for free nights.
In this case, due to the low cash rates and low CPP value we opted to book with cash instead of points.
Front Desk & Check-In
Check-in at the front desk was quick and easy and uneventful.
I was not recognized for my Platinum IHG status nor was I given a room upgrade, but in fairness the property did appear to have been sold out during our stay.
IHG Platinum Member Benefit Perks
None that I could see.
Elevator Area
The decor of the hotel was slightly outdated, but consistent with other Holiday Inn Express’s that I’ve recently stayed at.
Holiday Inn Express sure does love that telltale lime-green color and electric blue color combo.
Hallway
Room Entrance
Bedroom
We arrived to find our room clean and comfortable and exactly standard for Holiday Inn Express.
Living Area
Closet
Room Amenities
The room amenities consisted of a Keurig machine with Green Mountain coffee and tea selections by Bigelow (English Tea Time Black Tea).
There was also a small microwave and a large mini-fridge that was empty on the inside.
Bathroom
The bathroom was again standard, although this one had better lighting than most Holiday Inn Express bathrooms I’ve seen.
It was clean and came with communal toiletries of the J.R. Watkins brand.
Holiday Inn Express Complimentary Breakfast
One of the best things about staying at a Holiday Inn Express is the free breakfast.
Although the permanent free breakfast area was undergoing a remodel during our stay, breakfast was still provided in an emptied out room on the first floor.
Unfortunately, this setup didn’t provide the typical Holiday Inn Express favorites (eggs, bacon, and sausage) but did provide the standard bananas, yogurts, oatmeals, corn flakes, and coffee selections. It also had microwavable frozen Jimmy Dean Egg and Sausage breakfast sandwiches.
The Lobby and Business Center
The newly remodeled breakfast room
Fitness Center
x
FHOP TIP: What’s Nearby
When in town, be sure to check out the North Coast Brewing Co. Taproom (my personal favorite is the Red Seal Ale), wonderful Latin cuisine at Mayan Fusion, and a bite of dark chocolate at the Mendocino Chocolate Company.
The Bottom-Line Review: Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg (CA)
Overall, I can’t complain about our stay at the Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg.
It was exactly standard and consistent the Holiday Inn Express brand, and it was affordable especially considering the free breakfast. If you are passing through Mendocino, Redwood Country, or Fort Bragg, the Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg is a great option for couples and families.
Final Rating: 7 out of 10
